Psalm 9 7

Psalm 9:7 kjv

But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.

Psalm 9:7 nkjv

But the LORD shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment.

Psalm 9:7 niv

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.

Psalm 9:7 esv

But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,

Psalm 9:7 nlt

But the LORD reigns forever,
executing judgment from his throne.

Psalm 9 verses

Psalm 9 7 Meaning

Psalm 9:7 declares the enduring and immutable nature of the LORD's reign. In stark contrast to the fleeting existence and destructive end of the wicked and their power, this verse asserts God's eternal sovereignty. It states that His authority and rule are not only perpetual but are firmly established with the specific, righteous purpose of exercising justice and judgment over all the earth.

Psalm 9 7 Context

Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving by David, celebrating God's intervention and deliverance from his enemies. The earlier verses (Ps 9:1-6) detail the destruction and remembrance of these adversaries, particularly those who oppressed God's people. There is a palpable contrast between the perishing, forgotten state of the wicked and the eternal, just reign of the LORD. Verse 7 acts as a foundational theological assertion, providing the bedrock for David's praise and confidence. It shifts the focus from the temporary triumph over specific foes to the immutable nature of God's universal sovereignty and His ultimate purpose in establishing justice. Historically, this psalm likely reflects a time of conflict and divine victory for Israel, solidifying their trust in God as the one true King who governs righteously, in stark opposition to the capricious or limited deities of surrounding pagan nations.

Psalm 9 7 Word analysis

• But: A significant adversative conjunction. It sharply contrasts God's enduring nature with the temporary power and ultimate demise of the wicked described in previous verses (Ps 9:5-6). It pivots the psalm's focus from fleeting human wickedness to immutable divine character.

• the LORD: In Hebrew, יְהוָה (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. It signifies God's self-existence, eternal being, and covenant faithfulness. Using YHWH emphasizes His unique identity as the living, true God, unlike the false, transient gods or oppressive rulers of other nations. This Name underlines His supreme authority and trustworthiness.

• sits enthroned: From the Hebrew verb יָשַׁב (yashab), meaning "to sit, dwell, remain, abide, inhabit." Here, it carries the strong connotation of reigning, taking a firm seat of authority. It speaks of God's stable, continuous, and unchallenged dominion. It's not a temporary position but an established state of being.

• forever: Hebrew לְעוֹלָם (le'olam), indicating eternity, everlastingness, or perpetual duration. This reinforces the limitless extent of God's reign across all time, highlighting His unchangeableness (Mal 3:6) and immortality (1 Tim 1:17). This eternal nature guarantees His ability to judge and reign unfailingly.

• He has established: From the Hebrew verb כּוּן (kun), meaning "to be firm, fixed, established, made ready, prepared." This signifies God's deliberate, intentional act of setting up or confirming His throne. It implies permanence, stability, and purposefulness, not an accidental or precarious rule. This is a secure foundation.

• His throne: Hebrew כִּסֵּא (kisse'), meaning a seat of authority, a royal throne. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a throne was the quintessential symbol of a monarch's power, rule, and right to judge. God's throne represents His divine sovereignty, universal governance, and ultimate judicial authority.

• for judgment: Hebrew לַמִּשְׁפָּט (lamishpat), where מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) encompasses concepts of justice, right, verdict, and the act of judging. It implies the just application of divine law, upholding righteousness, punishing wickedness, and vindicating the oppressed. God's reign is not arbitrary but inherently ethical and just, distinguishing it sharply from human, often corrupt, rule.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "But the LORD sits enthroned forever": This phrase establishes the eternal and unshakeable nature of God's dominion. It stands as a divine anchor, providing hope amidst human instability. It means that God's reign is not subject to historical flux or the rise and fall of earthly powers.
  • "He has established His throne for judgment": This reveals the ultimate purpose and character of God's eternal reign: it is oriented towards justice. His sovereign power is intrinsically linked to His righteous governance and His intent to render perfect judgment. This promise implies both a future reckoning for the wicked and vindication for the righteous.

Psalm 9 7 Bonus section

The concept of God "sitting enthroned" is a common biblical anthropomorphism that vividly conveys His rule. While God is Spirit and not confined to a physical form or location, the image of a King on a throne universally represents supreme authority, control, and judicial power. This helps human minds grasp divine reality. The stability of God's throne in contrast to human chaos offers deep spiritual assurance.

Psalm 9:7 is a powerful affirmation that there is a moral absolute in the universe. In a world where justice often appears delayed or denied, this verse promises that the scales will ultimately be balanced by a righteous and eternal Judge. It speaks to a cosmic order, ensuring that despite appearances, God is ultimately in control, upholding truth, and dispensing perfect justice.

Psalm 9 7 Commentary

Psalm 9:7 is a profound theological declaration nestled within a psalm of thanksgiving. It serves as the bedrock of assurance for David and for all who trust in the LORD. After vividly portraying the transient nature and ultimate destruction of the wicked and their memory (Ps 9:5-6), the verse turns to God's unwavering and eternal character. The word "But" is crucial; it marks a decisive contrast, pivoting from the ephemeral human realm to the eternal divine realm.

The LORD's attribute of "sitting enthroned forever" underscores His absolute sovereignty and permanence. This is not a temporary reign or a shifting position but an eternal, fixed state. He is the ultimate, immutable authority, existing beyond the constraints of time and earthly power struggles. This contrasts sharply with the kings of pagan nations, whose rule was often despotic, fragile, and short-lived. Israel's God, YHWH, reigns perpetually, ensuring continuity and ultimate stability in the cosmos.

Furthermore, His throne is "established," meaning it is deliberately and firmly set in place, signaling unshakeable authority and an inherent purpose. This permanence is not an end in itself; its very establishment is "for judgment." This emphasizes God's active, righteous governance. "Judgment" (mishpat) encompasses not only the condemnation of evil but also the upholding of justice, the vindication of the oppressed, and the righteous ordering of all creation. God’s reign is fundamentally ethical. He will, in His time, justly right all wrongs and fulfill His perfect will. This provides immense comfort to those who suffer injustice, knowing that the Supreme Judge is eternal and His justice inevitable. It calls humanity to live in awareness of this ultimate accountability, urging repentance for the wicked and perseverance for the righteous.